It was named after America from Rio de Janeiro, even copying their team badge.
History
On January 28, 1946, at Hotel São Paulo, Antônio Tavares Pereira Lima, an Estrada de Ferro Araraquarense (EFA, Araraquara city Railroad) engineer, Vitor Buongermino and 53 local sportsmen and columnists of two local newspapers (A Folha de Rio Preto and A Notícia) founded the club to rival the city's only team at the time, Bancários. The club was named América Futebol Clube. The other suggested names were Dínamo and Flamengo.[2]
On March 17, 1946, América played its first match. América beat Ferroviária of Araraquara 3–1. América's first goal ever was scored by Quirino. América's starting eleven were Bob, Hugo and Edgar, De Lúcia, Quirino and Miguelzinho, Morgero, Dema, Pereira Lima, Fordinho and Birigui. Nelsinho substituted Pereira Lima during the match.[2]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
América's home stadium is Estádio Benedito Teixeira, usually known as Teixeirão,[7] inaugurated in 1996, with a maximum capacity of 36,426 people.[8]
The club also owns a training ground, named Centro de Treinamento Sami Gorayb, and nicknamed Toca do Rubro (meaning Red's Burrow).[9]
Club colors
América's official club colors are red and white. The club's home kit is composed of a red shirt, white short and red socks.[7]
Anthem
The club's official anthem lyrics was composed by Walter Benfatti and the music's author was Roberto Farath. There is another anthem, created to celebrate the club's 50th anniversary. This anthem lyrics was composed by José Celso Colturato Barbeiro and the music by Edson Crepaldi and Fernando Marques Alves .[10]
Mascot
América's mascot is a red devil, called Diabo.[11]
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